Henle Verlag Richard Strauss - Horn Concerto No. 2 In E Flat Major - Cor et Piano

Summary of This Score

Written about sixty years after his first concerto, this Second Horn Concerto and orchestra reveals a Richard Strauss turned toward his roots and musical childhood, with inspiration of great purity. Despite the challenging context at the end of his life, between fragile health and World War II, the music maintains remarkable clarity and serenity, never revealing the oppression of the circumstances. The premiere took place in 1943, with Gottfried von Freiberg on horn and Karl Böhm conducting, a historic reference that sheds light on the reception and performance tradition of the work.

The score offered responds to a musicological and practical necessity: since the work was only published in printed form after the composer's death, a new critical edition was essential. Based on autograph sources and the orchestral materials used at the premiere, it aims to restore the musical text with precision, relying on first-hand documents. The involvement of Hans Pizka, directly connected to von Freiberg's interpretative lineage, provides valuable insight into the genesis and performance practices, serving a stylistically accurate reading.

For daily work, the piano reduction made by Johannes Umbreit is a real asset. Designed to be comfortable at the keyboard while effectively supporting the solo part, it facilitates the study of balance, articulation, and phrasing, and allows preparation for auditions, competitions, or concerts with solid accompaniment. A choice resource for demanding horn players as well as for accompanist pianists seeking a clear and musical arrangement.

Technical specifications

Musical Genre

Classical

Publication

Sheet music

Composer	Richard Strauss	Edition	Hans Pizka (critical edition)
Arranger	Johannes Umbreit (piano reduction)	Instrumentation	horn and orchestra (with horn and piano reduction)